Exploring the Gender Pay Gap: A Systematic Review of Causes and Magnitudes

This study examines the persistent global gender pay gap, its causes, and magnitudes through a comprehensive literature review. Despite progress in gender equality, women worldwide still earn significantly less than men. The research explores various factors contributing to this disparity, including gender-specific influences, wage structures, educational differences, occupational segregation, the motherhood penalty, and discrimination. The study analyzes labor force participation rates, time allocation in paid and unpaid work, and gender pay gap statistics across different income levels and countries. It highlights the complex interplay of societal, economic, and institutional factors perpetuating the pay gap. The review emphasizes the need for targeted policy interventions and region-specific research to address this critical issue effectively. Understanding these multifaceted dynamics is crucial for developing comprehensive strategies to close the gender pay gap and promote equal opportunities in the global workforce.